The Book of Mormon has traveled a remarkable linguistic journey. First published in English in 1830, it is now available in full or in part in approximately 115 languages, with additional translation work continuing. But the most interesting part isn’t simply the number. It’s the people, time, and effort behind making the text accessible to readers around the world.
From One Language to More Than 100
When the Book of Mormon was first published in 1830, English was its only language. Within just a few decades, however, translation efforts were already underway.
The first non-English translation was Danish, published in 1851. French, German, Italian, and Welsh translations followed, along with Hawaiian, which represented an important early expansion beyond Europe.
Over time, translation efforts expanded across the Pacific Islands, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and other regions. As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew internationally, translations allowed people to study the Book of Mormon in languages they understood best.
How Many Languages Is It Available In?
Recent Church reports indicate that the Book of Mormon is available in approximately 115 languages, either in full or in part. The number can change as new translations are completed and existing translations are revised.
That distinction between “full or in part” is important. Not every language has a complete translation of the entire book, but portions of the text are available in additional languages.
Translation work is ongoing, so the total should be viewed as a changing figure rather than a permanent number.
Translating the Book of Mormon Is More Than Replacing Words
Translation can be surprisingly complicated because ideas don’t always have direct word-for-word equivalents between languages.
A translator has to consider vocabulary, grammar, cultural context, idioms, tone, and how clearly an idea will be understood by a native speaker. A phrase that makes perfect sense in English may sound unnatural or confusing when translated literally into another language.
For that reason, translation projects often involve people who understand both the source material and the language and culture of the intended readers.
The People Behind the Translations
One of the most remarkable aspects of the translation story is the human effort involved.
In the nineteenth century, there was no internet, email, digital publishing, or translation software. Missionaries traveled long distances, books had to be physically printed, and communication could take weeks or months.
Yet people devoted years to translating and distributing the Book of Mormon because they believed its message was important enough to share.
Some translation projects have involved missionaries working alongside native speakers and local members who could help determine how best to communicate concepts that did not have simple equivalents in the target language.
From Ships and Printing Presses to Smartphones
The technology surrounding the Book of Mormon has changed dramatically.
In the 1800s, obtaining a copy could require waiting for a physical book to be printed, shipped, and delivered. Today, someone in another part of the world can access a digital copy almost instantly.
Readers can now search, study, and listen to the Book of Mormon on digital devices without waiting for a physical copy to cross an ocean.
That contrast puts the history of translation into perspective. What once required years of coordinated effort and physical distribution can now reach someone almost anywhere within seconds.
Why Translate the Book of Mormon?
The motivation behind these efforts ultimately comes down to the belief that the message is worth sharing.
The Book of Mormon presents itself as another testament of Jesus Christ. Those who believe in its message want people around the world to have the opportunity to read it in their own language and decide for themselves what they believe.
The invitation remains essentially the same regardless of the language: read it, study it, pray about it, and seek your own answer from God.
A Global Translation Story
The story of the Book of Mormon’s translation is therefore about much more than reaching a particular number of languages. It is a story of a text that began in one language and gradually became available to people across many cultures and continents.
From the Danish translation in 1851 to today’s digital access in more than 100 languages, the journey reflects generations of effort to make the text accessible to new readers.
And as translation work continues, the story isn’t finished.
Whether you approach the Book of Mormon from a position of faith, historical interest, or curiosity, its international translation history raises an interesting question: what happens when a religious text moves beyond its original language and culture and becomes part of the lives of people around the world?
